Grow bushy hedges with large, rounded leaves with this superb Hazel, which is also known as a Cobnut. Pretty green leaves grow from spring with slightly serrated edges and characteristic pointed tips, before turning seasonal shades of orange-gold when autumn rolls around. Towards the end of winter or in the early weeks of spring, fluffy yellow catkins appear and dangle along the edge of the twigs, which have been left bare by seasonal conditions. Dainty yellow flowers emerge at the same time as the catkin clusters but can easily be overlooked due to their small stature. Pale green hazelnuts are produced in autumn when at least some of the catkins and flowers have been saved from trimming, much to the delight of squirrels! What’s more, Hazel hedges are a perfect solution for attracting wildlife to the garden, as dozens of insect species, as well as small mammals, will benefit from the shelter and foliage. Easy to grow, these deciduous and hardy hedges will thrive in most types of free-draining soil, even when exposed to strong winds or long periods of shade. Hazel hedges grow at a good rate, by roughly 45cm per year.